Jazz Flyte Podcast

If there’s anyone who can carry on the legacy of Al Jarreau, it’s Chris Walker. In this episode of Jazz Flyte, I sit down with the powerhouse musician who spent over 20 years as Al’s musical director, co-vocalist, and bassist. Chris takes us on a journey through his career—from learning Al’s music by ear to leading his band and performing worldwide. Chris also opens up about working with legends l...

What does it take to break barriers in jazz? On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast , I sit down with the incomparable Terri Lyne Carrington —a four-time Grammy-winning drummer, composer, and educator who’s reshaping the future of jazz. From receiving a full scholarship to Berklee at just 11 years old to sharing the stage with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Esperanza Spalding, Terri’s journ...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with the one and only BillyRay Sheppard, a saxophonist whose smooth jazz sound has captivated audiences for decades. From his early inspirations—listening to The Crusaders and Grover Washington Jr.—to becoming a first-call performer in the industry, BillyRay’s journey is a testament to passion and perseverance. We dive deep into the story behin...

Music is more than just notes—it’s about connection, commitment, and carving out your own sound. On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast , I sit down with Tony Pulizzi, an in-demand guitarist who has spent over a decade performing in Los Angeles. With a career spanning performances with Smokey Robinson, Natalie Cole, Tito Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and more, Tony’s story is one of versatility and p...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Andrew Neu, one of today’s most dynamic and multi-genre musicians. A master saxophonist, arranger, and composer, Andrew has toured the world with Bobby Caldwell, Diane Schuur, Norman Brown, and Smokey Robinson, sharing the stage with icons like Elton John, Patti LaBelle, and The Temptations. Andrew’s passion for mu...

Building a career in music takes more than talent—it takes heart, resilience, and an unwavering love for the craft. On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast , I sit down with JC Sol, a powerhouse vocalist whose love for R&B and the classic Philly sound has helped her carve out a space in the world of independent music. From singing as a child to performing Top 40 hits, JC takes us through her...

Rock Hendricks shares with Darrell about the song "Echoes Rising" and his collaboration with Paul Hardcastle. Catch the Full Interview Here: https://youtu.be/zuGfUsAD3uY

Some people hear music. Rock Hendricks sees it. Born in Texas with a rare congenital eye disease, Rock spent his early years navigating the world through sound alone. That sharpened his ears, and when he first heard the sweet cry of a saxophone, he knew it wasn’t just an instrument—it was his voice. From picking up his first sax at nine years old to playing in high school jazz ensembles, Rock foun...

Some artists play music. Others live it. On this episode of Jazz Flyte , Darrell sits down with South African-born, New Zealand-raised musical powerhouse Andréa Lisa. A singer, guitarist, composer, and producer, Andréa has crafted a sound that blends jazz, soul, and reggae with deeply personal storytelling.  From accidentally picking up a guitar at 14 to working with the legendary Kirk Whalum, And...

Forty years. Countless shows. One unforgettable sound. In this special episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast , host Darrell sits down with Lem Adams and Gary Stevenson of Forecast , Cleveland’s legendary contemporary jazz band. Blending jazz, funk, rock, reggae, and pop, Forecast has spent four decades crafting a sound that resonates across generations. But what’s the secret to their longevity? Lem an...

This week on The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell is joined by the incomparable Eric Essix, a jazz icon with over three decades of experience and 28 albums under his belt. Eric opens up about his passion for storytelling through music, his philosophy that "if you call yourself a recording artist, you have to record," and how his career has evolved with the times—from recording in traditional studios to...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell welcomes the legendary keyboardist and composer Brian Simpson, whose career has been a masterclass in jazz excellence. After graduating from Northern Illinois University, Brian moved to Los Angeles, where he worked his way up the industry ladder, performing with icons like Gerald Albright, Norman Brown, and Teena Marie. Brian’s talent eventually l...

The Jazz Flyte Podcast takes flight this week as host Darrell welcomes Lindsey Webster, a powerhouse in jazz, R&B, and pop whose soulful voice has redefined the genre. Lindsey made history as the first vocalist since Sade to hit #1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart with "Fool Me Once," proving her unique sound resonates deeply in a primarily instrumental space. In this heartfelt episode, Lind...

Step into the soulful world of Castella on this captivating episode of the Jazz Flyte Podcast. Host Darrell sits down with the award-winning vocalist to uncover the inspiring journey behind her music, legacy, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.   From her breakout hit "No Ordinary Love," which climbed the Smooth Jazz Charts, to her deep-rooted family legacy in music, Castella opens up abo...

This week on The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell is joined by saxophonist and flutist Paula Atherton, a powerhouse in contemporary and mainstream jazz. With a career spanning stages shared with David Sanborn, The Rippingtons, and Bob James, Paula’s music continues to inspire. Her single “Can You Feel It” held the #1 spot on Billboard for three weeks straight.   In this candid conversation, Paula opens...

In this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell welcomes celebrated Brazilian guitarist and vocalist Moises Borges for a soulful dive into the world of Brazilian jazz. Born in Bahia, Brazil, and now a prominent figure on Cleveland's jazz scene, Moises has charmed audiences with his fusion of Samba, Bossa Nova, and Brazilian rhythms. They discuss Moises’ journey from Brazil to Ohio, his entry in...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast , host Darrell welcomes contemporary jazz icon David Benoit, a GRAMMY®-nominated pianist, composer, and arranger whose contributions have shaped the genre for over 40 years. David takes us back to his early years, learning piano at six by ear, and his leap of faith into the music industry after dropping out of college. He recounts working with musical lege...

In this soulful episode of Jazz Flyte, host Darrell dives deep with internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist Tom Braxton. Known for his chart-topping music and thrilling performances worldwide, Braxton's journey spans decades and continents, captivating audiences from New York to Japan. With his father’s influence and inspirations like Cannonball Adderley and David Sanborn, Tom’s music aims to t...

This week on Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell welcomes the fiercely talented Althea Rene—jazz flutist, author, and former deputy sheriff—who has blazed her own path in the music world. Born on Christmas Day in Detroit, Althea was inspired by her father, Dezie McCullers, a member of Motown's original Funk Brothers. Despite being told the flute wasn’t a “true jazz instrument,” Althea has carved her own s...

On this episode of Jazz Flyte, Darrell reconnects with Maria Jacobs, a powerful voice in both jazz and Christian music, and a passionate educator. Born of Syrian Lebanese and Armenian descent, Maria’s life journey is one of resilience and faith. She is the author of Tell Them About Me, a Christian testimony that chronicles her triumphant journey through Bipolar Disorder, Alopecia, and numerous per...

In this unforgettable episode of Jazz Flyte, Darrell sits down with saxophonist Adrian Crutchfield, whose music has captivated audiences worldwide through jazz, funk, hip-hop, and rock. Adrian takes us back to the life-changing moment at just four years old when Kenny G stopped a live concert to gift him his first saxophone—an early spark that ignited his lifelong passion for music. He reflects on...

Welcome back to the Jazz Flyte Podcast! On this episode, host Darrell sits down with the phenomenal saxophonist and 2X Grammy and Stellar Award-nominated artist, Marcus Anderson. With 15 studio albums and 5 Billboard #1s under his belt, Marcus Anderson is a jazz fusion powerhouse whose music transcends genres, blending R&B, Pop, Rock, and Funk into a sound that elevates listeners to a whole ne...

On this episode of the Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell is joined by the talented husband-and-wife duo, Kat and Adam Hawley! Their musical journey began back in April 2005 when they met in church and hit it off instantly. Since then, they’ve been performing together and captivating audiences around the world. Kat even sang on Adam’s very first album, marking the beginning of their musical partnership....

On this episode of the Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell is joined by the incomparable Kirk Whalum—a 12-time Grammy® nominee and the voice behind the iconic saxophone solo in Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” With a career spanning gospel, R&B, and jazz, Kirk shares the highs and lows of his musical journey and the mentors who shaped his path, including Arnett Cobb and Wilton Felder.  Kirk...

Welcome back to another engaging episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast! Today, Darrell is joined by the incredibly talented Brittany Atterberry—a dynamic saxophonist, songwriter, and national recording artist in contemporary jazz and R&B. Brittany’s love for the saxophone goes beyond just music; it’s been her saving grace. She didn’t pick up the sax to compete—she picked it up for the pure love of...